Motorcycle Tyres

Your tyre choice comes down to three things: your bike, your riding style and the terrain you cover. The first step is easy: check your owner’s manual or the markings on your current tyre’s sidewall for the exact size. From there, it’s all about matching the tyre style to your riding. 

You can choose from sports, touring, cruiser, adventure or commuter rubber. Sport tyres are built for grip and sharp handling, while touring tyres are made for maximum mileage. Sport-touring blends the best of both worlds. If you're not sure what’s right for your bike, get in touch with us. Our crew will be happy to steer you in the right direction.

Motorcycle tyres generally last anywhere from five to seven years, but once they’ve been on the bike for five years, it’s wise to have them inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic. Even if they look fine and have not reached their tread wear limit, any tyre that reaches ten years of age should be replaced as a precaution.  

There are clear signs that your tyres need to be inspected and replaced. Sidewall punctures, warped or exposed beads, tread that’s peeling away or losing its shape and scuffing or marbling on the inside of the tyre all point to rubber that can’t be trusted. If you spot any of these issues, get your tyres checked and swapped before hitting the road again.

Bias-ply tyres are built with layers of cords that criss-cross diagonally, creating a tough carcass with reinforced sidewalls. That makes them strong, hard-wearing and capable of carrying heavy loads. The flip side is that their higher sidewalls can generate heat when pushed at high speed, so they’re not ideal for performance riding.

Radials, by contrast, feature ply cords that run at right angles to the tread's centre line. Additionally, the crown is made from layers that form a belt. This design gives the tyre a lighter, more flexible feel, which translates to sharper handling, excellent stability at high speeds and firm grip in wet conditions. The trade-off is that their sidewalls are softer and more vulnerable to punctures.

Motorcycle tyres in Australia range from budget-friendly off-road rubber starting around $30–$50, right through to premium sport and cruiser tyres that can climb over $800. Most everyday road tyres sit in the $100–$300 bracket, while specialised ATV, adventure and high-performance options cover everything in between. 

At Shark Leathers, you’ll find all types of motorcycle tyres for sale. From affordable Anlida off-road tyres through to Avon’s RoadRider range, these tyres can be ordered online with Australia-wide shipping.